We believe the purpose of credentialing is for recognition, confirmation, and impartation. It gives recognition to people of the calling on the minister's life. It confirms in that minister's heart that other spiritual leaders bear witness to his calling. And it provides impartation of power and anointing through the laying on of hands and through prophetic words by the presbytery.
The guidelines for credentialing by DNI are as follows:
- The minister must be a member of DNI in good standing, in either level one or two, or
- Bishop Miller, any pastor or DNI member can recommend a minister for consideration to the Apostolic Council.
- If at all possible, we recommend that the ordination take place in the pastor's local church.
Distinctives of DNI Churches
Local churches in the DNI Network share a number of distinctive characteristics, with similar vision, values, and priorities. Although common doctrine is not what binds us together, when a new pastor is considering being a part of DNI his/her church should share most of these distinctives.
1. Worship
We are passionate about worshipping God and experiencing His presence manifested in our midst. We use contemporary music and instruments, and encourage visible expressions of heartfelt worship such as banners and dance.
2. World Missions
We believe the Great Commission can be fulfilled in our lifetime. We therefore actively send out and financially support missionaries throughout the earth. We regularly have short-term mission trips to train, evangelize, and disciple.
3. Evangelistic Outreach
We are committed to reaching the lost and to taking our cities for Jesus Christ. We are involved in many different types of evangelistic outreaches, and we also seek to minister to the poor with food, clothing, and counseling.
4. Discipleship Training
We believe it is imperative for every believer to be discipled and trained. Whether through small groups, bible training centers, Sunday school, etc. The teaching of the word is imperative.
5. Prayer and Intercession
We have experienced the power of prayer and intercession, and are convinced prayer is essential to see God move and the powers of darkness defeated. We encourage intercessors to regularly lift up pastors and ministry leaders.
6. Eldership Government
We consider government of the local church by elders to be the norm in the New Testament. The pastor is the chief among elders, and is looked to as the spiritual and governmental head of the local church. Through mutual submission, this provides accountability and a protective system of checks and balances.
7. Team Ministry
We have experienced greater effectiveness by working as a team, rather than by one strong leader doing everything. We follow the pattern established by Jesus ("two by two") and continued by Paul in ministering with a team of leaders.
8. Reconciliation and Unity
We recognize God's hand in bringing reconciliation and unity among different ethnic and racial groups that have been alienated. We embrace all men as equals, and receive all Christians as brothers in the sight of God.
9. Gifts of the Spirit
We believe the Father's desire is to minister to the Body of Christ through the active use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are given to strengthen and edify the local church, and are a demonstration of the power of God moving among His people.
10. Five-Fold Ministry
We have witnessed the restoration of all five-fold ministry gifts in recent years. We especially affirm the validity of the prophet and apostle, and the tremendous blessing their ministry brings in equipping the saints.
11. Presbytery and Prophetic Ministry
We believe God speaks to His people through prophetic ministry to bring comfort, encouragement, and greater challenge. The prophetic word through presbytery identifies gifts and callings, and brings great confirmation of God's purposes to that individual or couple.
12. Apostolic Oversight
We see around the world God has raised up many strong apostolic leaders to be spiritual fathers and mentors to other pastors. The purpose of the apostle is to serve, encourage, and empower those pastors related to him. In our view, this is always based on relationship rather than structure, and is completely voluntary.